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Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 19:40:24 EST
From: Diachro~ol.com
Subject: apology and clarification

First I would like to apologize to any harp craftspeople out there that I
may
have pissed off due to my addressing certain issues. It was with the intent
of including them in the discussions and not alienating or directing
attention at their business practices.

the whole idea of bringing up what is a custom/customized harp, what
determines the quality of a craftsperson and a truly well made customized
harp and Certification was to address issues that were never outlined or
defined here AFAIK. When there were few offering the service you knew
exactly what you were getting. It was from them or nobody and everyone knew
what they were buying.

the buying public interested in non stock harps has grown and so is the
number of folks offering their services.

Granted long time craftspeople know what a custom crafted harp is and they
know what it takes to make a high quality one. With a influx of new
craftsmen out there consumers new to the prospect of buying a non stock
harp
should have a way of identifying how and what they are purchasing other
then a testimonial. Hence defining what a modified stock and custom harp
actually is when it's being marketed.

The word "professional" has been badly beaten in the consumer world. As
musicians how many times have you seen a stock harp, guitar, cd burner or
tape recorder, amps, mics ect advertized as 'professional"? most equiptment
advertized as pro would never be used in the actual industry by
professionals. Its decieving to those consumers outside the industry.

sooooooo back to the word "custom or customized harp" and wanting to clarify
what actually qualifies as one instead of using the word to identify any
harp
that has been modified. Truth in advertizing folks. I dont think anyone is
looking to burn a customer but if we use the word all inclusive then we do a
disservice to anyone that actually offers the service and any consumer that
is actually looking for harps that can be "customized" to their needs.

Harmonicas such as the Renny are not customized harps. they are Custom
Handmade Harmonicas. I'm sure Doug and Bobbie like truth in advertizing when
folks talk about their harmonica and prefer it to be identified that way.
sorry I don't know how to spell renniasance or I would call it that.

Certification. well it seems its means different things in different
corners.
the word invokes a sense of control and regulation. It never entered my mind
that thats how its viewed.

the only thing I know about it is how the word relates to the profession
I've
been in.
Certification in the dental field means advanced education through the form
of reading material on advancements in the industry, specialty seminars, and
research. A certain amount of merits is required each year. You attend a
seminar and have the instuctor sign the form and you send them in at the end
of the year with due renewals.

Either master technicians or manufacturers host the seminar. In our case it
would be respected lifelong harp techs, inovators and the heads of repair
departments of harp companies explaining the what, why and ect about their
companies harps and designs and repair insights.

Actual scientific demonstrations on comb materials, windsavers, reed gapping
with regards to overblows. slide mechanics ect could be set up in a clinical
fashion rather then a half fashioned pissing contest to find out who is
right or wrong. Electronic debate could be taken out of the boxing ring and
put in the classroom where results could be logged and used as reference.

It is a voluntary thing in my profession and most of those that want to get
certified do so with the intention of opening their own lab, going into
research or wanting to demand a larger $$ for providing more and better
service to the dentist.

I have coworkers that are certified but I opted not to since those arent my
specific goals as a technician.

I made it clear that certification for craftsmen in the harp field could be
a
voluntary thing. It was just a way for those that want to make it their
livelihood to have a way of developing their growth as craftspeople.

I don't question things to win debates, I pose questions to insight thought
about what is actually taking place. I brought the idea up, drafted a
proposal and discussion ensued.

If its the desire or intent of the industry to not set a standard or program
for continuing education (in a way that is nondiscrimnatory nor buracratic)
in the development of the harmonica outside manufacturers R&D nor identify
the level of craftsmanship of those in this carriage industry so be it.
nothing lost nothing gained.

just something to leave you thinking:-)

mike e